A BAD HALF HOUR

Wonder why I feel so restless;

Moon is shinin’ still and bright,

Cattle all is restin’ easy,

But I just kaint sleep tonight.

Ai n't no cactus in my blankets,

Do n't know why they feel so hard —

‘ Less it's Warblin’ Jim a-singin’

“Annie Laurie” out on guard.

“Annie Laurie” — wish he'd quit it!

Could n't sleep now if I tried.

Makes the night seem big and lonesome,

And my throat feels sore inside.

How my Annie used to sing it!

And it sounded good and gay

Nights I drove her home from dances

When the east was turnin’ gray.

Yes, “her brow was like the snowdrift”

And her eyes like quiet streams,

“And her face” — I still kin see it

Much too frequent in my dreams;

And her hand was soft and trembly

That night underneath the tree,

When I could n't help but tell her

She was “all the world to me.”

But her folks said I was “shif'less,”

“Wild,” “unsettled,” — they was right,

For I leaned to punchin’ cattle

And I'm at it still tonight.

And she married young Doc Wilkins —

Oh my Lord! but that was hard!

Wish that fool would quit his singin’

“Annie Laurie” out on guard!

Oh, I just kaint stand it thinkin’

Of the things that happened then.

Good old times, and all apast me!

Never seem to come again —

My turn? Sure. I'll come a-runnin’.

Warm me up some coffee, pard —

But I'll stop that Jim from singin’

“Annie Laurie” out on guard.